Environmental studies and Forestry
We Want Answers!
People want scientists to give them precise and definitive solutions to environmental problems. How possible is this? Be sure to include your responses to Q#1 and Q#2 in your own postings and/or replies.
Number your responses so I can clearly see how you have addressed each part of the overall question.
How does science work to solve environmental problems? Explain the steps in the scientific process as it relates to an environmental problem and describe one potential challenge to solving that problem. And…
Why is it important to consider the natural, social, cultural and economic environments (address each individually) in any environmental problem-solving?
Be sure to back up your explanations with some research before discussing this topic online with your classmates. Be sure to read relevant sections of your text (and supplementary readings from this Module) and look online.
(Your responses to questions 1 and 2 are worth 3 points each, 6 points total)
After posting, be sure to respond to at least two classmates’ posts. A response needs to be something substantial and contribute something significant to the conversation, not just saying “Good job.” or ” I like how you explained …”. Say something original and significant. Contribute some information, describe an example, share an experience, ask a thoughtful question, etc. If you are asked a thoughtful question, part of your significant response can be providing an intelligible response to that question. Each response should be at least a paragraph in length, that is, at minimum, 4-5 full sentences. Each response post is worth 2 points.
This discussion board is worth 10 points and goes toward your “participation” grade.
Do your own work, do not copy or even paraphrase somebody else’s work. I’ll be on the lookout for such things as I grade and have various tools available to check for plagiarism. All college rules of Academic Dishonesty are fully in effect.
ANSWER
Science and the Environment
Q1. It may sound exaggerated to conclude that science generally solves every problem, but science has been center stage in solving major issues. Therefore, science can offer solutions to environmental issues like air and land pollution that have resulted in problems associated with global warming. First, science can provide enough detailed information about environmental problems (McKinley et al, 2017). This can be done through research, collection, and analysis of data concerning environmental problems scientifically. Data is analyzed and interpreted, and the causes of such problems are detected using sophisticated machines. Another step that science may come in handy is using scientific equipment to predict unforeseen environmental impacts. For instance, scientists predicted that the ozone layer would grow thinner if the earth continues being subjected to pollution (McKinley et al, 2017). Such predictions help create awareness of potential harm, and science offers ways to avoid such problems early. Science can also help develop sophisticated methods of cleaning sewage waste from companies before they are dumped into rivers or other outlets. However, the challenge science faces in predicting potential environmental problems is that human beings do little to adhere to the rules that would help avoid a crisis in the future.
Q2. The natural environment refers to the surrounding nature that includes trees, oceans, rivers, mountains, and its habitats. The social and cultural environment is the immediate physical setting that human beings occupy. The economic environment refers to how the environment is beneficial to human beings (Holden, 2016). Therefore, it is important to understand all these factors while addressing the issue of environmental problem solving as they all interdepend on each other. The natural environment depends on the behavior of the social and cultural environment. The economic environment can only survive if the social environment protects the natural environment. The bottom line, human beings control all these factors and are therefore entitled to make sure that the three environments thrive.
References
McKinley, D. C., Miller-Rushing, A. J., Ballard, H. L., Bonney, R., Brown, H., Cook-Patton, S. C., … & Soukup, M. A. (2017). Citizen science can improve conservation science, natural resource management, and environmental protection. Biological Conservation, 208, 15-28.
Holden, A. (2016). An introduction to tourism–environment relationships. In Ecotourism and environmental sustainability (pp. 35-48). Routledge.
